Mary Hopkin – Those were the days

About the song

Mary Hopkin and the Swinging Sixties

The 1960s were a time of great social and cultural change. The British Invasion was in full swing, and young people were embracing new fashions, new music, and a new way of life. It was in this heady atmosphere that a young Welsh singer named Mary Hopkin emerged onto the music scene.

Hopkin was born in 1950 in the small town of Pontypridd, Wales. She began singing at a young age, and her talent was quickly recognized. In 1968, she was signed to Apple Records, the Beatles’ newly-formed label.

Hopkin’s first single, “Those Were the Days,” was an instant hit. The song, written by Gene Raskin, was a nostalgic look back at a simpler time. Hopkin’s sweet, clear voice perfectly captured the song’s sentiment, and the song quickly topped the charts in the UK and the US.

“Those Were the Days” was a defining moment for Hopkin. The song made her a star, and it helped to usher in a new era of British pop music. Hopkin went on to have a successful career, releasing several more hit singles and albums. However, she never quite recaptured the magic of “Those Were the Days.”

The song remains a classic of the 1960s, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages. It is a reminder of a time of innocence and hope, and it is a testament to the enduring power of music.

Key takeaways:

• “Those Were the Days” was a hit single released by Mary Hopkin in 1968.
• The song was written by Gene Raskin and it topped the charts in the UK and the US.
• “Those Were the Days” was a defining moment for Hopkin and it helped to usher in a new era of British pop music.
• The song remains a classic of the 1960s and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.

Additional information:

• Mary Hopkin was born in 1950 in Pontypridd, Wales.
• She was signed to Apple Records in 1968.
• “Those Were the Days” was her first single.
• The song was a nostalgic look back at a simpler time.
• Hopkin’s sweet, clear voice perfectly captured the song’s sentiment.
• The song helped to make Hopkin a star.
• She went on to have a successful career, releasing several more hit singles and albums.
• “Those Were the Days” remains a classic of the 1960s.

Analysis:

“Those Were the Days” is a simple song, but it is also a powerful one. The song’s lyrics are about the passage of time and the loss of innocence. However, the song is also about hope and resilience. The narrator of the song finds comfort in the memories of her youth, and she realizes that even though things change, the love and joy that we experience will always be with us.

The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, and Hopkin’s vocals are warm and expressive. “Those Were the Days” is a perfect example of the power of music to connect with us on an emotional level.

Conclusion:

“Those Were the Days” is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. It is a song about the power of music, the importance of family, and the strength of the human spirit.

Video

Lyrics

“Those Were The Days”

 

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
Think of all the great things we would do

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern
We’d smile at one another and we’d say

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days

Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days

Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we’re older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days